If you want your website to be found by the right people, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is key. A strong SEO strategy helps Google understand your site, improves your search ranking, and drives more traffic from people looking for your products or services. The good news? There are simple, practical ways to make your website SEO-friendly without being an expert. Here’s how to get started.
1. Make your website easy to navigate
Clear navigation is critical both for visitors and search engines. A simple, logical structure helps people find what they need quickly, keeps them on your site longer, and makes it easier for Google to crawl your pages.
2. Ensure your site is responsive
A responsive website automatically adjusts its layout and design to fit different screen sizes, whether it’s a desktop, tablet, or mobile phone. This ensures your site looks great and functions well on any device. Mobile-friendly, responsive websites are essential, as more than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices.
3. Do keyword research and use keywords naturally
Understanding what your audience searches for is essential. Start by brainstorming words and phrases your customers might use to find your products or services. You can also use free tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest to discover popular search terms in your industry. Once you have your keywords, use them thoughtfully in your content, headings, URLs, and metadata, but always naturally, so your content reads well.
4. Keep content fresh and user-focused
Quality, relevant content is at the heart of SEO. Regularly update your site with content that answers your audience’s questions, showcases your expertise, or solves their problems. Engaging content keeps visitors returning and signals value to search engines.
5. Optimise headings and metadata
Properly structured headings (H1, H2, H3) help organise your content and make it easier for both readers and search engines to understand. Metadata includes elements like page titles and meta descriptions, the short snippets you see in search results. Well-written metadata clearly describes your page content and includes relevant keywords.
6. Build authority with backlinks
Backlinks are links from other websites that point to your site. They serve as a vote of confidence, signalling to Google that your content is trustworthy and valuable. Focus on creating shareable content and reaching out to partners, local businesses, or industry blogs to earn backlinks. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the stronger your site’s authority and SEO performance.
7. Optimise your Google Business Profile
A Google Business Profile is your business listing on Google that appears in search results and on Google Maps. It allows potential customers to view key information about your business, including your address, hours, website, phone number, photos, and reviews. To create one, go to google.com/business, sign in with your Google account, and follow the prompts to enter your business details. Keep your profile accurate, upload high-quality images, and encourage happy clients to leave reviews to boost your local SEO.
8. Use analytics to monitor and improve
Tracking your website’s performance helps you see what’s working and where there’s room for improvement. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor metrics, including page views, user behaviour, traffic sources, popular pages, and keyword performance. Review your analytics at least once a month to spot trends, identify opportunities, and refine your SEO strategy.
9. Technical SEO
Technical optimisations such as compressing images, fixing broken links, and avoiding duplicate content support other SEO efforts and improve site performance.
Strong SEO starts with a well-structured, mobile-friendly website and helpful, user-focused content. By making small, consistent improvements, you can lift your Google ranking and attract the right visitors to your site.
If you’d like help improving your website and SEO, explore my website design and build package or contact me for more details.
